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PocketMateW. 9W variable output blaster. Thread I.

It's been waay too long between drinks! [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img] [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

Over the past year or so, the modders amongst us have been coming out with a myriad of excellent lights. A big majority of them have one thing in common though... they all used a single die Luxeon III. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img] Yes, the LuxIIIs have very long lives. Yes, the LuxIIIs can run from lower voltages. Yes, these LEDs are (relatively) cheap. Yes, they also result in smaller flashlights. But where are those beefy Luxeon V mods? [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img] I want Luxeon V lights!

Introducing... the PocketMate-W.

This light uses the very popular OA2C host, cut down to take either a single Pila 168S Li-Ion rechargable or 2 Lithium CR123As. Total length is 195mm or 7.7inches and it fits in your palm juuust riiiiigght [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]. This light uses a boost converter to provide constant current to the Luxeon V LED with W rated flux, binned WX1U to be precise. The light also has a variable output dial perpendicular to the switch just below the head. Output can be varied anywhere between 30mA (Arc AAA brightness) and 1000mA (WOW brightness [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img] ). UCL lens completes the package.

*** EDIT. Max current will now be set at 1300mA to enhance that WOW factor... making it a 9 WATT monster!!

Here are some photos:

The engine room [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

WX1U Luxeon on the Hotlips just before being soldered.

The Hotlips in perfect contact with the OAC in its permanent home

OA2D, OA2C, PocketMate-W, Miltech (Pelican M6), Arc LS

Light in hand: PocketMate-W

Light in hand: OA2C - 2 C Cells

Light in hand: OA2D - 2 D Cells (MR-X)

The PocketMate-W

The PocketMate-W

Switch it on, adjust the brightness level, use the light. Need to work close range, dial in a lower output. Need to see what is up that tree, dial up the brightness. Switch it off and switch it on again, the light output is where you left it last.

Re: Introducing... the PocketMate-W. Variable outp

Now, what do I do with these? [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]

Cost wise, 10 units at the commercial machine shop will cost me $25 to cutdown/thread. 20 units $19. Totally all the bits and pieces and adding some $ for labour/PP fees, the light would go for $175 + $10 post (or $169 if we can get 20 confirmed takers).

Re: Introducing... the PocketMate-W. Variable outp

Very nice Howard! [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif[/img] ... Just when I thought I have enough of Maglites ... Will you be taking orders soon? [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]

Re: Introducing... the PocketMate-W. Variable outp

Re: Introducing... the PocketMate-W. Variable output.

Howard, nice job. Good to see Fatman pushing out the watts!

Yep, dimming/variable lights. I'm a really BIG believer in having that feature in LED lights (whether torches or lanterns). Not having that feature throws away what I consider a big benefit LEDs have over incandescents - the capability to choose the light level for the task at hand without a major change in colour temperature.

When your eyes are night adjusted, 30mA from a LuxV is still a lot of light, just as it is out of a 1W/3W luxeon. As you say, runtime at that level will be excellent [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif[/img]

Pi... A little brother for your red MR-X [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img] I haven't done a runtime test but I reckon you would get ~30mins on max. The 168S should be much better than the CR123s. Will update you later.

Ticey... Thanks [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img] I guess you could cut off part of the dial on the pot to reduce the length. It is actually not bad at 9mm currently. Yeah, the Fatman can do much more, but runtime would be much reduced. Also we only have 1300/1400mAh batteries so we can't be too greedy [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grinser2.gif[/img]

brightnorm... The Miltech already has a McModule on it. Shown next to the others for size only [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

Cost wise, 10 units at the commercial machine shop will cost me $25 to cutdown/thread. 20 units $19. Totally all the bits and pieces and adding some $ for labour/PP fees, the light would go for $175 + $10 post (or $169 if we can get 20 confirmed takers).

Post your commitment, EM or PM to secure your light.

It is available in black, black or black [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img] unless you can send me your own OA2C.

Re: Introducing... the PocketMate-W. Variable outp

I'm in for one. Might sell a light or two so I can afford it. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif[/img] [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/bowdown.gif[/img] I just love the LuxV in a m@g reflector so much more than a LuxIII because it is more useable.